Eligibility Requirements

The mission of Helping Paws is to further people’s independence and quality of life through the use of Assistance Dogs. Helping Paws places service dogs with individuals who have physical disabilities—other than the loss of sight or hearing—and veterans afflicted with PTSD. We are unable to place service dogs for the following needs:

Assist with the management of mental illness as a primary condition

Recognize and/or manage undesirable human behavior

Anticipate or detect medical symptoms

Provide supervision, navigation, or safety from environmental hazards

Respond aggressively

Provide personal protection.

Application Requirements for Persons with Physical Disabilities

Minimum of 10 years old with a physical disability other than loss of vision or loss of hearing

Financially able to take full responsibility for a dog, including but not limited to dog food and veterinary care. Costs such as annual vaccinations, additional veterinary needs, dog food and dog toys may run upwards of $1,000 per year

Able to physically take full responsibility for a dog or have someone designated and able to address this responsibility

Able to attend the 3-week Team Training course held at the Helping Paws Training Center in Hopkins, MN

Willing to participate in follow-up training.

Application Requirements for Veterans with PTSD

A veteran with a diagnosis of PTSD

A resident within Minnesota or the bordering areas of surrounding states

Financially able to take full responsibility for a dog, including but not limited to dog food and veterinary care. Costs such as annual vaccinations, additional veterinary needs, dog food and dog toys may run upwards of $1,000 per year

Able to attend the required Team Training course held at the Helping Paws Training Center in Hopkins, MN

Willing to participate in follow-up training.

Additional Requirements

A stable home environment is required (no major changes) during the first year following placement with a service dog